Meaning of “Vicinity Of Obscenity” by System Of A Down

“Vicinity of Obscenity” is a song by the Armenian-American heavy metal band System of a Down, included in their album “Hypnotize,” which was released in 2005. The song, like many of System of a Down’s tracks, features avant-garde elements, surreal lyrics, and a highly experimental structure.

When it comes to the meaning of “Vicinity of Obscenity,” the interpretation can be somewhat elusive due to its abstract and non-linear lyrics. System of a Down is known for their often politically charged and socially critical lyrics, but they also have songs that seem to be intentionally oblique or absurdist in nature, and “Vicinity of Obscenity” might be placed in this category.

Lyrics like “Banana banana banana terracotta banana terracotta terracotta pie” can confound listeners looking for straightforward meanings. However, there are themes of sexual and possibly societal deviance (“vicinity of obscenity”), rebellion, and hedonism that run through the track.

A few perspectives might be derived from the song:

• Absurdism/Satire: The absurdity of the lyrics might be a form of satirical commentary or an experimentation with dadaist or absurdist art, where meaning is intentionally obfuscated or subverted.
• Rebellion/Non-Conformity: The repetitiveness and absurdity might represent a refusal to conform to traditional songwriting norms, reflecting themes of rebellion and non-conformity.
• Criticizing Sensationalism: Some fans speculate that the seemingly non-sensical and sexualized lyrics mock how easily people are drawn to obscene or explicit content, possibly critiquing society’s obsession with sensationalism and scandal.

Remember that with abstract and surrealist art, interpretations can be numerous and varied. The band members have often been reticent to provide clear explanations of their songs’ meanings, which allows listeners to derive their own interpretations based on personal perspectives and experiences.

Below are some interesting facts about this song:

Distinct Musical Style

1. Unique Composition: The song is recognized for its highly unconventional and experimental nature, utilizing unorthodox song structure and diverse musical elements.
2. Contrasting Elements: It harmoniously melds contrasting elements – from its heavy guitars to its almost playful and whimsical vocal melodies, creating a peculiar yet captivating musical environment.

Lyrical Oddity

3. Abstract Lyrics: The lyrics are abstract, non-linear, and seemingly nonsensical at times, utilizing phrases like “banana terracotta pie” which don’t follow conventional songwriting norms.
4. Open to Interpretation: The lack of clear narrative or directive in the lyrics allows for a wide array of interpretations, providing listeners with an open-ended experience.

Fan Theories and Speculations

5. Diverse Interpretations: Fans have proposed various interpretations of the song’s meaning, ranging from it being a critique of societal norms, a reflection of hedonistic tendencies, or simply an exploration of absurdity and non-conformity.
6. Memorable Quirks: The curious and bizarre lyrics have made the song notably quirky within System of a Down’s discography, making it a topic of discussion and speculation among fans.

Live Performances

7. Limited Live Appearances: “Vicinity of Obscenity” is not one of System of a Down’s most frequently performed live songs, which can make its appearances in setlists a unique treat for fans.
8. Energetic Audience Response: Despite its oddities, or perhaps because of them, the song tends to generate enthusiastic responses when performed live, demonstrating the band’s ability to captivate audiences with their idiosyncrasies.

Artistic Freedom

9. Exploration of Artistic Boundaries: The song is an example of System of a Down’s willingness to explore and push artistic boundaries, experimenting with different sounds, structures, and lyrical themes without adherence to mainstream expectations.
10. Critique or Fun: While some listeners perceive it as a form of critique towards societal issues, others consider it a playful deviation to simply create something fun and unexpected.

“Vicinity of Obscenity” stands out as a particularly intriguing song in System of a Down’s repertoire, showcasing their unconventional approach to music-making and their adeptness at blending seemingly discordant elements into a cohesive and engaging musical experience.

“Hypnotize”

“Hypnotize” is the band’s fifth studio album. Released in 2005, it was recorded during the same sessions as its predecessor, “Mezmerize,” and thus the two are often considered to be a double album. Both albums were recorded during the same time period and released in the same year, with “Mezmerize” dropping in May and “Hypnotize” following in November.

Here are some key aspects of the “Hypnotize” album:

Musical and Thematic Aspects

• Musical Diversity: The album showcases the band’s eclectic style, combining elements of heavy metal, progressive rock, and Middle Eastern music, among other influences.
• Political and Social Themes: Like much of their work, “Hypnotize” involves various political and social themes, providing commentary on war, government, and societal issues.
• Experimental Sound: The band didn’t shy away from their signature experimental and genre-blending sound, with tracks varying from aggressive and hard-hitting to melodic and contemplative.

Notable Tracks

• “Hypnotize”: The title track, which discusses the disillusionment with a system that manipulates and controls, became one of the band’s most popular songs.
• “Lonely Day”: Recognized for its melancholy melody and somber lyrical themes, it became one of the band’s signature tracks.
• “Vicinity of Obscenity”: Known for its absurd and seemingly nonsensical lyrics, it’s a testament to the band’s whimsical and experimental side.

Production and Release

• Joint Release: The decision to release “Mezmerize” and “Hypnotize” separately but in the same year was somewhat unusual and showcased a prolific period for the band.
• Commercial Success: “Hypnotize” achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200.

Legacy and Hiatus

• Last Album Before Hiatus: “Hypnotize” was the last album System of a Down released before entering a lengthy hiatus, not releasing another album for over 15 years and counting.
• Critical Acclaim: The album received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its adventurous musical approach, although some noted it was less cohesive than previous efforts.
• Live Performances: Several tracks from “Hypnotize” have remained staples in the band’s live performances, reflecting the album’s lasting impact and fan appreciation.

Final Note

“Hypnotize” reflects System of a Down’s musical dexterity, lyrical profundity, and willingness to explore and critique political and societal issues through their art. It is revered by fans and critics alike for maintaining the band’s distinctive and eclectic sound while offering fresh and engaging material. Consequently, “Hypnotize” remains a significant part of System of a Down’s legacy, symbolizing both their musical prowess and their commitment to socio-political commentary through their platform.